Nigeria Cracks Down On Used Car Imports, Strengthens Dealership Oversight

Nigeria’s automotive industry is set for a shake-up as regulators move to clamp down on unregulated used car imports and tighten dealership operations. In a high-stakes meeting in Lagos, weekend, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) outlined bold strategies to improve compliance and fuel local production.

NADDC director general, Joseph Osanipin, made it clear: stricter dealership regulations are no longer optional. “We must ensure vehicle safety, environmental sustainability, and industry growth,” he said, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global auto market.

A key part of the plan is government support for locally-assembled vehicles under Executive Order 005, which mandates ministries and agencies to prioritise homegrown products. Osanipin stressed that enforcing structured dealership regulations will curb the flood of substandard and high-emission vehicles that undermine the industry.

AMDON president, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin, praised NADDC’s reforms but pointed out pressing challenges. “Affordability and consumer purchasing power remain significant hurdles,” he noted, calling for deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) to create practical solutions that make locally assembled vehicles more accessible.

Adedoyin also pushed for a well-defined dealership registration system to streamline coordination between dealers and manufacturers. He emphasised AMDON’s partnership with the Nigerian Police Force to enforce compliance, ensuring credibility and trust in the market.

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This latest engagement signals a firm commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s automotive landscape. Both NADDC and AMDON agreed that collaboration, innovation, and stricter regulation are key to driving the industry forward, making Nigerian roads safer, and fostering a thriving local vehicle manufacturing sector.